Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for measuring interference on a channel of a wireless communication network in a node of the wireless communication network, the method comprising steps of: checking, at the node, whether a packet pre-amble is received through a receiver of the node on the channel during a guard time interval of a predetermined time-slot of the wireless communication network, wherein the node is synchronized with the wireless communication network and is scheduled, in accordance with a schedule of the wireless communication network, to check the channel during the predetermined time-slot, and wherein the guard time interval begins at a beginning of a listen and receive period of the predetermined time-slot for the wireless communication network; and when no packet pre-amble is received during the guard time interval, measuring, using the receiver of the node, a received signal strength (RSS) on the channel during the predetermined time-slot at an end of the guard time interval of the predetermined time-slot.
Wireless communication interference measurement. This invention addresses the problem of accurately measuring interference on a communication channel within a synchronized node of a wireless network. The method involves a node, which is synchronized with the network and scheduled to monitor a specific time-slot, checking for the reception of a packet preamble on a designated channel. This check occurs during a guard time interval that precedes the main reception period of the time-slot. If no packet preamble is detected within this guard time, the node then proceeds to measure the received signal strength (RSS) on that channel. This RSS measurement is taken on the channel during the predetermined time-slot, specifically at the conclusion of the guard time interval. This process allows for interference assessment by distinguishing between actual signal reception and background noise or interference.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the guard time interval is shorter than the predetermined time-slot of the schedule of the wireless communication network, and the RSS is measured at the end of the guard time interval and during the predetermined time-slot.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically improving efficiency in time-slot-based scheduling by optimizing guard time intervals and received signal strength (RSS) measurements. In such networks, guard times are typically inserted between time-slots to prevent interference, but these intervals reduce overall throughput. The invention addresses this by shortening the guard time interval to be less than the predetermined time-slot duration of the network schedule. Additionally, RSS measurements are taken at the end of the shortened guard time interval and during the active time-slot. This approach allows for more precise timing and interference management while maximizing data transmission efficiency. The method ensures that signal measurements are captured at critical points to maintain synchronization and reliability, even with reduced guard times. By dynamically adjusting guard times and strategically timing RSS measurements, the invention enhances network performance without compromising signal integrity. The solution is particularly useful in high-density wireless environments where minimizing overhead is crucial for optimal resource utilization.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: when a packet pre-amble is received during the guard time interval, measuring, using the receiver of the node, a received signal strength (RSS) on the channel following receipt of a respective packet that includes the packet pre-amble.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving packet reception during guard time intervals. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in detecting and measuring signal strength of incoming packets when they arrive during guard time intervals, which are typically unused periods between transmissions. The solution involves a method for a node in a wireless network to measure the received signal strength (RSS) of a packet preamble when it is received during a guard time interval. The node uses its receiver to capture the preamble and then measures the RSS on the channel after the packet is fully received. This allows the node to assess signal quality even for packets arriving during guard times, improving network efficiency and reliability. The method ensures that guard time intervals are not wasted, enabling better utilization of the communication channel. The invention is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where timing precision is critical, and packets may arrive unpredictably. By leveraging guard time intervals for RSS measurement, the system enhances its ability to monitor signal conditions and adapt to dynamic network environments.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the node comprises an internal clock, and wherein the guard time interval has a length of at least a sum of: (a) two times a maximum offset between internal clocks of two respective nodes of the wireless communication network and (b) a length of time between a beginning of a packet transmission and an end of a pre-amble of the packet transmission.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically addressing synchronization challenges between nodes. The problem solved is ensuring reliable packet transmission by accounting for clock offsets and preamble processing delays. The method involves a node with an internal clock, where a guard time interval is defined to prevent transmission collisions. The guard time interval is calculated as the sum of two times the maximum clock offset between any two nodes in the network and the duration between the start of packet transmission and the end of its preamble. This ensures that even with clock drift, nodes can safely transmit without overlapping signals. The preamble length accounts for the time needed to process synchronization information before data transmission begins. By incorporating these factors, the method minimizes interference and improves network reliability in environments where precise clock synchronization is difficult to maintain. The solution is particularly useful in decentralized or ad-hoc networks where nodes may have independent clocks.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wireless network comprises a plurality of wireless nodes and wherein the node is one of the plurality of wireless nodes.
A wireless network system includes multiple wireless nodes that communicate with each other to establish and maintain network connectivity. The system addresses challenges in dynamic wireless networks, such as maintaining reliable connections in environments with moving nodes, interference, or limited infrastructure. The network operates by dynamically adjusting communication paths between nodes to optimize data transmission efficiency and reliability. Each node in the network can act as a relay, forwarding data to other nodes to ensure continuous connectivity. The system may also include mechanisms for detecting and mitigating signal interference, selecting optimal communication paths, and adapting to changes in network topology. The nodes may use directional antennas or beamforming techniques to improve signal quality and reduce interference. The network may further incorporate security protocols to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring robust, self-healing wireless connectivity, such as IoT deployments, mobile ad-hoc networks, or disaster recovery scenarios. The dynamic nature of the network allows it to adapt to changing conditions, ensuring consistent performance even as nodes move or environmental factors fluctuate.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the schedule comprises at least one superframe comprising a plurality of time-slots, wherein the predetermined time-slot is one of the plurality of time-slots, and wherein each of the plurality of time-slots specifies communication links between respective ones of the plurality of wireless nodes.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for scheduling communication links between multiple wireless nodes. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and structured communication scheduling to optimize resource utilization and minimize interference in wireless networks. The method involves organizing communication into a schedule that includes at least one superframe, which is a repeating time structure. Each superframe contains multiple time-slots, and each time-slot defines specific communication links between pairs of wireless nodes. A predetermined time-slot within the superframe is designated for a particular communication task. The schedule ensures that each time-slot is assigned to distinct node pairs, preventing conflicts and improving network efficiency. This structured approach allows for predictable and coordinated communication, reducing collisions and enhancing overall network performance. The method is particularly useful in environments where multiple nodes must communicate reliably without excessive interference.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the guard time interval ends prior to an acknowledgement transmission period of the predetermined time-slot.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the efficiency of time-slot-based transmissions by optimizing guard time intervals. The problem addressed is the inefficiency caused by excessive guard time between transmissions, which reduces overall throughput and spectral efficiency. The invention provides a method for dynamically adjusting guard time intervals to ensure they end before the acknowledgement transmission period within a predetermined time-slot. This prevents collisions between data transmissions and acknowledgements while minimizing wasted time. The method involves monitoring the timing of data transmissions and dynamically calculating the guard time interval based on propagation delays and processing times. By ensuring the guard time interval concludes before the acknowledgement period begins, the system avoids unnecessary delays and maximizes the available time for data transmission. The invention also includes mechanisms to account for varying channel conditions and device capabilities, ensuring reliable communication while optimizing efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in high-density wireless networks where minimizing overhead is critical for maintaining performance. The solution enhances spectral efficiency by reducing idle periods and improving the overall throughput of the communication system.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the guard time interval ends prior to an acknowledgement transmission period of the predetermined time-slot.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing guard time intervals in time-slotted communication protocols. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in time-slot utilization due to overlapping guard time intervals and acknowledgement transmission periods, which can lead to collisions or wasted bandwidth. The method involves adjusting the duration of a guard time interval within a predetermined time-slot to ensure it concludes before the start of an acknowledgement transmission period. This prevents interference between the guard time and the acknowledgement phase, improving communication reliability and efficiency. The guard time interval is dynamically set based on factors such as propagation delay, synchronization accuracy, and network conditions to optimize performance. The method may also include determining the start and end times of the guard time interval relative to the time-slot boundaries, ensuring proper alignment with the acknowledgement period. By ending the guard time interval before the acknowledgement transmission begins, the system avoids conflicts and ensures that devices can transmit acknowledgements without delay. This approach is particularly useful in wireless networks where precise timing is critical, such as in IoT or industrial automation applications. The invention enhances throughput and reduces latency by minimizing idle periods between communication phases.
9. A method for measuring interference on a channel of a wireless communication network in a node of the wireless communication network, the method comprising steps of: checking, at the node, whether a packet pre-amble is received through a receiver of the node on the channel during a guard time interval of a predetermined time-slot of the wireless communication network; and when no packet pre-amble is received during the guard time interval, measuring, using the receiver of the node, a received signal strength (RSS) on the channel during the predetermined time-slot at an end of the guard time interval of the predetermined time-slot; wherein the node is not scheduled, in accordance with a schedule of the wireless communication network, to check the channel during the predetermined time-slot; and wherein the predetermined time-slot begins at a time at which another node of the wireless communication network is scheduled to check the channel in accordance with the schedule of the wireless communication network.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks and addresses the challenge of measuring interference on a channel without disrupting scheduled operations. The method involves a node in the network monitoring a channel during a guard time interval of a predetermined time-slot, even when the node is not scheduled to check the channel during that time-slot. The node checks for the presence of a packet preamble during the guard time interval. If no preamble is detected, the node measures the received signal strength (RSS) on the channel at the end of the guard time interval. The predetermined time-slot is one where another node is scheduled to check the channel, allowing the measuring node to assess interference without interfering with the scheduled operations of other nodes. This approach enables passive interference monitoring during unscheduled periods, improving network efficiency and reliability by identifying potential interference sources without disrupting active communications. The method leverages existing guard time intervals to perform measurements without requiring additional dedicated time-slots, optimizing resource utilization in the wireless network.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein: the node is synchronized with the wireless communication network and is scheduled, in accordance with a schedule of the wireless communication network, to check the channel during the predetermined time-slot, and the guard time interval is measured according to a beginning of the predetermined time-slot.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically to methods for managing channel access in synchronized nodes. The problem addressed is ensuring efficient and reliable communication in wireless networks where nodes must coordinate their channel access to avoid collisions and interference while minimizing power consumption. The method involves a node that is synchronized with the wireless communication network and is scheduled to check a communication channel during a predetermined time-slot. The node measures a guard time interval based on the beginning of this time-slot. This guard time interval ensures that the node has sufficient time to prepare for transmission or reception, accounting for synchronization inaccuracies and processing delays. By aligning the guard time with the scheduled time-slot, the method reduces unnecessary power consumption and improves communication efficiency. The node's synchronization with the network ensures that it operates within the network's timing framework, allowing for coordinated access to the channel. The scheduled check of the channel during the predetermined time-slot ensures that the node only activates when necessary, conserving energy. The guard time interval, measured from the start of the time-slot, provides a buffer to handle timing variations, ensuring reliable communication without excessive overhead. This approach is particularly useful in low-power wireless networks where energy efficiency and precise timing are critical.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein: the guard time interval is shorter than the predetermined time-slot of a schedule of the wireless communication network, and the RSS is measured at the end of the guard time interval and during the predetermined time-slot.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically improving signal measurement efficiency by optimizing guard time intervals. The problem addressed is the inefficiency in measuring received signal strength (RSS) during standard time-slot schedules, which can lead to wasted resources or inaccurate measurements. The solution involves reducing the guard time interval to a duration shorter than the predetermined time-slot of the network's schedule. By doing so, RSS measurements are taken at the end of this shortened guard time interval and continue during the active time-slot. This approach allows for more frequent and timely signal strength assessments without disrupting the network's operational schedule. The method ensures that measurements are captured at optimal points, enhancing accuracy while minimizing interference with ongoing communications. The technique is particularly useful in networks where precise signal monitoring is critical, such as in dynamic environments with varying interference levels or mobile devices frequently changing locations. The shortened guard time interval enables faster adaptation to signal conditions, improving overall network performance and reliability.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the RSS is measured on the channel immediately following the end of the guard time interval.
A system and method for measuring received signal strength (RSS) in a wireless communication network addresses the challenge of accurately determining signal quality during transitions between communication intervals. The invention involves measuring RSS on a communication channel immediately after the guard time interval, which is a period between active transmission intervals designed to prevent interference. By capturing RSS at this precise moment, the system avoids signal distortion caused by overlapping transmissions or residual interference from previous intervals. The method ensures reliable signal quality assessment, which is critical for optimizing network performance, managing interference, and maintaining stable connections. The approach is particularly useful in time-division multiplexing (TDM) systems where precise timing is essential. The system may include a receiver configured to detect the end of the guard time interval and initiate RSS measurement, along with processing logic to analyze the measured signal strength for network adjustments. This technique improves the accuracy of signal monitoring and enhances overall communication reliability in dynamic wireless environments.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein each respective node of the wireless communication network comprises an internal clock, and wherein the guard time interval has a length of at least a sum of: (a) two times a maximum offset between internal clocks of two respective nodes of the wireless communication network and (b) a length of time between a beginning of a packet transmission and an end of a pre-amble of the packet transmission.
This invention describes a method for a node in a wireless network to measure interference on a channel. Even if this specific node is *not* scheduled to communicate during a particular "predetermined time-slot," and another node *is* scheduled during that same time, the method can still assess channel conditions. The process involves: 1. **Preamble Check:** The unscheduled node listens for a packet preamble on the channel during a "guard time interval" within the predetermined time-slot. 2. **Interference Measurement:** If no preamble is detected during this guard time, the node then measures the Received Signal Strength (RSS) on the channel at the guard time interval's end. Crucially, each network node has an internal clock. The length of the guard time interval is precisely defined to be at least the sum of: (a) two times the maximum difference (offset) between the internal clocks of any two nodes in the network, and (b) the time it takes from the very beginning of a packet transmission until its preamble concludes. This ensures the guard time accounts for clock synchronization variations and the full preamble duration for reliable detection. ERROR (embedding): Error: Failed to save embedding: Could not find the 'embedding' column of 'patent_claims' in the schema cache
14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the guard time interval begins at a beginning of a listen and receive period of the predetermined time-slot for the wireless communication network.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically improving synchronization and reducing interference in time-slotted communication systems. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable data transmission by managing guard time intervals between communication slots. A guard time interval is a brief period between transmission and reception to account for timing inaccuracies and propagation delays. The invention defines a method where the guard time interval starts at the beginning of a listen and receive period within a predetermined time-slot. This ensures that the guard time aligns with the start of the reception phase, minimizing wasted time and improving efficiency. The method may involve adjusting the guard time duration based on network conditions, such as signal propagation delays or synchronization errors, to optimize performance. By precisely aligning the guard time with the listen and receive period, the invention reduces collisions and improves data throughput in wireless networks. The technique is particularly useful in networks where devices must synchronize with a central coordinator or base station, such as in industrial IoT or sensor networks. The invention may also include mechanisms to dynamically adjust the guard time based on real-time measurements, ensuring adaptability to varying network conditions.
15. A system for measuring interference on a channel of a wireless communication network, the system comprising: a node comprising a receiver, wherein the node is synchronized with the wireless communication network and configured to: check, during a predetermined time-slot of the wireless network and according to a schedule of the wireless communication network, whether a packet pre-amble is received through the receiver on the channel during a guard time interval of the predetermined time-slot, wherein the guard time interval begins at a beginning of a listen and receive period of the predetermined time-slot; and measure, using the receiver, a received signal strength (RSS) on the channel during the predetermined time-slot at an end of the guard time interval of the predetermined time-slot when no packet pre-amble is received during the guard time interval.
This system measures interference on a wireless communication network channel by leveraging synchronized nodes to detect and quantify signal disturbances during specific time slots. The system includes a node with a receiver that is synchronized with the wireless network. During a predefined time slot, the node checks for the presence of a packet preamble within a guard time interval at the start of the listen and receive period. If no preamble is detected, the node measures the received signal strength (RSS) on the channel at the end of the guard time interval. This approach allows the system to assess interference levels during periods when no valid transmissions are expected, providing insights into channel conditions without disrupting normal network operations. The method ensures accurate interference measurement by aligning with the network's schedule, avoiding false readings from legitimate transmissions, and focusing on idle periods to isolate external or unintended signals. This technique is particularly useful for optimizing network performance by identifying and mitigating sources of interference in wireless communication environments.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the guard time interval is shorter than the predetermined time-slot of a schedule of the wireless communication network, and wherein the RSS is measured at the end of the guard time interval and during the predetermined time-slot.
A wireless communication system is designed to optimize signal measurements in a network with scheduled time-slots. The system includes a receiver configured to measure the received signal strength (RSS) of a wireless signal during a guard time interval that is shorter than the predetermined time-slot of the network's schedule. The RSS measurement occurs at the end of the guard time interval and continues during the predetermined time-slot. This approach allows for efficient signal monitoring without disrupting the scheduled communication activities. The system may also include a transmitter for sending signals and a controller for managing the timing of measurements. The guard time interval is specifically designed to be shorter than the time-slot to ensure minimal interference with ongoing transmissions while still capturing relevant signal strength data. This method enhances network performance by providing accurate RSS measurements without requiring additional time-slots or extending existing ones. The system is particularly useful in networks where precise timing and minimal overhead are critical, such as in industrial or mission-critical wireless applications.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the RSS is measured on the channel immediately following the end of the guard time interval.
A system for measuring received signal strength (RSS) in a wireless communication network addresses the challenge of accurately assessing signal quality in dynamic environments. The system includes a receiver configured to detect a signal on a communication channel and a processor that calculates the RSS of the received signal. The processor determines a guard time interval, which is a period following signal transmission to allow for signal settling and interference mitigation. The system measures the RSS on the channel immediately after the guard time interval ends, ensuring the measurement reflects the actual signal conditions without interference from residual signal components or adjacent transmissions. This approach improves the reliability of RSS measurements, which are critical for tasks such as channel selection, power control, and interference management in wireless networks. The system may also include a transmitter for sending signals and a memory for storing measurement data. By measuring RSS at the optimal time, the system enhances network performance and reduces errors in signal quality assessments.
18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the node further comprises an internal clock, and wherein the guard time interval has a length of at least a sum of: (a) two times a maximum offset between internal clocks of two other nodes of the wireless communication network and (b) a length of time between a beginning of a packet transmission and an end of a pre-amble of the packet transmission.
A wireless communication system includes nodes that synchronize their transmissions to avoid collisions. The system addresses timing inaccuracies caused by clock drift between nodes, which can lead to overlapping transmissions and data loss. To mitigate this, the system incorporates a guard time interval between transmissions. This guard time is dynamically adjusted based on the maximum clock offset between any two nodes in the network and the duration from the start of a packet transmission to the end of its preamble. The guard time ensures that even if clocks drift, transmissions remain separated by a sufficient buffer, preventing collisions. The system may also include mechanisms for nodes to periodically synchronize their internal clocks to minimize offset accumulation. This approach improves reliability in time-sensitive wireless networks by accounting for both clock drift and transmission timing variability.
19. The system of claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of wireless nodes, wherein the node is one of the plurality of wireless nodes.
A wireless communication system includes a network of wireless nodes that facilitate data transmission between devices. The system addresses challenges in maintaining reliable and efficient communication in environments with dynamic network conditions, such as interference, node mobility, or varying signal strength. Each wireless node is equipped with processing capabilities to relay data, manage connections, and optimize routing paths. The nodes may operate in a mesh or ad-hoc network topology, where they dynamically adjust their roles and connections to ensure continuous data flow. The system may also incorporate mechanisms for error detection, signal amplification, or frequency hopping to mitigate interference and improve signal integrity. The nodes can be deployed in various applications, including IoT networks, sensor arrays, or mobile communication systems, where adaptability and robustness are critical. The system enhances network resilience by enabling nodes to self-organize, reroute traffic, and maintain connectivity even when individual nodes fail or move. This approach reduces dependency on centralized infrastructure and improves scalability. The nodes may also support multi-hop communication, allowing data to traverse multiple nodes before reaching its destination, thereby extending the network's reach and reliability. The system's design ensures efficient resource utilization, minimizing power consumption and bandwidth usage while maintaining high data throughput.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the schedule comprises at least one superframe comprising a plurality of time-slots, wherein the predetermined time-slot is one of the plurality of time-slots, and wherein each of the plurality of time-slots specifies communication links between respective ones of the plurality of wireless nodes.
Wireless communication systems often require efficient scheduling to manage data transmission between multiple nodes while minimizing interference and maximizing throughput. A system addresses this by using a structured schedule to coordinate communications among a plurality of wireless nodes. The schedule includes at least one superframe, which is divided into multiple time-slots. Each time-slot defines specific communication links between pairs of nodes, ensuring organized and conflict-free data exchange. The system dynamically assigns a predetermined time-slot within the superframe to facilitate communication between designated nodes, allowing for flexible and scalable network operation. This approach optimizes resource utilization by predefining communication patterns, reducing overhead, and improving reliability in wireless networks. The system may also include mechanisms to adjust the schedule based on network conditions, ensuring adaptability to varying traffic demands and environmental factors. By structuring communications into time-slots within a superframe, the system enhances coordination among nodes, supports efficient data transmission, and maintains network stability.
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January 14, 2020
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